Stephen Luther Strange, Sr.

Stephen Luther Strange Sr., aged 79, passed away May 19th, 2022, surrounded by his family, at Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway, after complications from previous illnesses. Steve was born in San Francisco, Calif., on October 27th, 1942, to Dr. Vance M. Strange, of Stamps, Ark., and Monda E. (Dunn) Strange, of San Francisco. He graduated from Kemper Military Academy in Boonville, Mo., in 1960. He received his Bachelor's degree in 1964 from Hendrix College in Conway, Ark., and then served in the Army Reserves at Fort Ord in California. Steve married Claudia Diane (Ashby) Strange in 1968 at the Mission Inn in Riverside, Calif. They began their family in Riverside until work took them back to his beloved San Francisco in 1970. In 1984, after purchasing American Management Corporation, Steve and Claudia moved their family to Conway where he worked diligently for 38 years as President and Chief Executive Officer. Throughout his career in the insurance industry, he was honored for his skills as a business owner and a philanthropist. Some of which were Arkansas Business Executive of the year in 2001, Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame inductee in 2015 and Conway Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award recipient in 2015. He was also instrumental in helping the University of Central Arkansas start a program in insurance where there is a scholarship in his name. Steve was preceded in death by his mother; father; stepmother, Lydia Strange; and brother, Bruce Strange; and special family friends, Frank "Paco" and Gini Rowland, and Bill Otto. He is survived by his magnolia blossom and love of his life of 54 years, Claudia; his brother, Vance II, of Conway, his sister, Deborah Ward, of Tucson, Ariz.; his three sons; Steve Jr., Douglas (wife Shelly), and Vance III; his seven grandchildren, Hannah, Ashby, Harleigh, Vance IV, Trip, Elle, and Troy; beloved nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends, Don Disterheft of Conway, Steve and Judi Rubin of Moraga, Calif., Craig James and Lynn Becker of Phoenix, Ariz., Bob and Ellen Oddone of Pauma Valley, Calif., Glen and Jan Hildebrand of Conway, Ark., Jimbo and Terri Hendrickson of Conway, Ark., Pat Otto and David Urrea of San Francisco, Calif., as well as countless others. He was known to most as "Big Steve". He brought light and laughter wherever he went. He was a devoted father and grandfather, and a mentor to many. A gifted storyteller, quick with a joke, and full of wisdom, Steve will always be remembered for his advice, charisma, and charm. He never knew a stranger, welcomed all, and had a knack for making family out of friends. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022, at The Greene Chapel at Hendrix College at 10 a.m. Donations in his name can be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital or PARK Foundation. - Tonite We Ride